HMAS Choules Completes Mission at Manus Island
The Royal Australian Navy reported that HMAS Choules has completed its mission at Manus Island and heads home today, October 31, 2013. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN said HMAS Choules provided maritime support to Department of Immigration and Border Protection efforts to increase the capacity of the facilities on Manus Island. “HMAS Choules and her crew remained anchored off Manus Island after the ADF land-based tasks were complete, and the land task force returned home on 14 August 2013,” VADM Griggs said. “The ship provided a floating home to about 230 Australian Government personnel and service providers working on Manus Island.
Pirates Thwarted In Tanker Takeover Attempt
Police in Papua New Guinea fought off an attack by armed pirates who tried to hijack a Shell oil tanker as it was berthing at an island off the mainland. Shell Papua New Guinea operational manager George Talbot said the attack on the Petro Navigator charter vessel carrying 2,600 tons of fuel was of great concern. "Potentially it was a very dangerous situation -- firearms and oil tankers don't go well together," Talbot said. The company has suspended local fuel shipments until the attackers are caught. Talbot said four armed men boarded the vessel on Monday night as it was berthing on the island of Manus, 800 km (500 miles) north of Port Moresby. Police called to the ship struggled with the men and fired warning shots.
New Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boats Named
The Naming Ceremony for the eighth and ninth Armidale Class Patrol Boats to be launched was held at the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Fourteen patrol boats in total are to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. The 183.7 ft., all-aluminium monohull vessels were named Broome by Mrs Anne Zilko, daughter of ex crew member Bill Ritchie (subsequently a Commander in the RAN), and Bundaberg by Dr Jocelyn Pixley, daughter of Lieutenant Commander Neville D Pixley RANR, Commanding Officer, HMAS Bundaberg. The ceremony was attended by senior figures from the Royal Australian Navy, Department of Defence, Government and industry including The Hon.
Australian Patrol Boats Named
The Naming Ceremony for the eighth and ninth Armidale Class Patrol Boats to be launched was held at the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Fourteen patrol boats in total are to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. The 56 m, all-aluminum monohull vessels were named “Broome” by Mrs Anne Zilko, daughter of ex crew member Bill Ritchie (subsequently a Commander in the RAN), and “Bundaberg” by Dr Jocelyn Pixley, daughter of Lieutenant Commander Neville D Pixley RANR, Commanding Officer, HMAS Bundaberg. The first HMAS Broome was commissioned in Brisbane in 1942. She commenced her career engaged on anti-submarine patrols and escort duties in the North Queensland area…
